Learning

NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.

During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.

You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

There are no special religious education and special education in ethics approved providers available at this school.

At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.

We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.

In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Students study both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

Drama is an introduction to performing, making and appreciating aspects of the subject. From here students are able to select it as an elective in Year 9 and 10 (Stage 5) and is available as a 2 unit course in Stage 6. Students look at a range of aspects including the elements of drama, improvisation, acting,  playbuilding and various theatrical styles.

English is mandatory throughout high school and introduces students to the narratives that shape their public and private worlds. Students learn about a range of prose and poetic forms in a progressive course structure, designed to show how authors interpret their world.  Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society.

In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10. Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography.

In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

• Ancient History
• Ancient History Life Skills
• Business Studies
• Economics
• History Extension
• Legal Studies
• Modern History
• Society and Culture.

Learning a second language is a practical and useful skill necessary for participation in today's changing world. The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.

In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.

Mathematics is the exploration of the world around us. The study of mathematics allows students to discover the fundamental laws that govern our everyday lives. We seek to grow our students' knowledge and allow them to apply it to their lives.

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10 but becomes optional in Years 11 and 12.

Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) contributes significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:

• Community and Family Studies
• Exploring Early Childhood
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
• Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.

Sport

Sport at Crestwood High School is not just for the gifted athletes at our school but also for every level of a competitor who wants to enjoy the experience with their friends and fellow students from other years. Sport is a mandatory requirement for the ROSA Certificate. We offer plenty of opportunities, including Grade sport, Recreational sport, State Knockout competitions and Carnivals.

Science students use scientific inquiry to develop their understanding of ideas and concepts and the importance of scientific evidence. Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10 and provides a way of inquiring about the world around us.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Investigating Science
• Physics.

Crestwood has a Support Unit consisting of 5 classes designed to support students with physical and emotional needs. All applications for the Support Unit are made through the Department of Education and not directly through Crestwood High School.

Technological and Applied Studies is made up of numerous subjects where the focus is on solving problems through project  based learning. Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

Available courses include:

• Technology Mandatory (Years 7 - 8)
• Agricultural Technology (Years 7 - 10)
• Design and Technology (Years 7 - 10)
• Food Technology Years (7 - 10)
• Graphics Technology (Years 7 - 10)
• Industrial Technology (Years 7 - 10)
• Information and Software Technology (Years 7 - 10)
• Textiles Technology (Years 7 - 10)

Year 11 and 12 courses include:

• Design and Technology
• Engineering Studies
• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology
• Information Processes and Technology
• Software Design and Development
• Textiles and Design

Crestwood High School library is a dynamic and friendly place for students and staff to learn, practice and apply their academic skills.

Our Library:

• provides a pleasant, friendly and dynamic learning environment for students and staff.
• supports the varied curriculum offered through an extensive, up-to-date collection of books, online and audio-visual resources.
• encourages students to become skilled, discriminating and responsible users of online resources.
• promotes reading for enjoyment as well as lifelong learning, offering a wide choice of current young adult fiction and recreational reading.
• has spaces for research, photocopying and reading to support the curriculum and higher school certificate support materials.

Careers Advisory Service and Careers Reference Centre

The school has a careers adviser whose role is to help provide information, options and opportunities to student during their high school years to assist them in developing the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their future career pathways and to help them transition into their post-school choices.

Career Education lessons are part of the school curriculum in Year 10, designed to assist students to develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about school and post-school options.

Vocational education and Training (VET)

Vocational education is part of the senior curriculum with students accessing courses from external providers including TAFE and Western Sydney Local Health Districts. (EVET) Students are also able to access School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT’s).